Ottawa's cultural landscape has evolved considerably over the last 20 years. Back in the early 90s, Irma and David had to make the two-hour drive to Montreal with their young daughter to sample the food from their native El Salvador. That's where the closest pupuserias were located!

Irma would make Sopa de Pata at home but only for special occasions, such as Easter and Christmas. As the Salvadoran community in Ottawa grew, she and David could see that there was a need to fill. So they delved into the world of entrepreneurship and set out to find a suitable location for their eatery.

After some searching, they leased a spot and following many months of renovations, they finally opened La Cabaña in May 1996. This was way before the advent of social media, so Irma had started calling up her friends (from her landline!) weeks in advance to announce the grand opening.

"It was a crazy day," recalls Irma. "People were lining up out the door waiting for a table! My daughter would come hopping into the kitchen to announce that more customers had arrived, she was so excited!"

Irma and David are proud of having opened Ottawa's first Salvadoran restaurant but are mostly happy that they can provide a taste of their little El Salvador to fellow Ottawans.

Come by for a couple of pupusas... or five! You won't be disappointed!